Refuse compactor

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for compacting refuse having a chamber with horizontal and vertical compacting rams communicating therewith. The rams cooperate to sequentially compress refuse for ultimate discharge from the chamber as a uniform, discreet slug of compacted refuse.

United States Patent ['72] Inventors George A.Carkhufl [56] ReferencesCited Somerville; UNITED STATES PATENTS hard 1026,987 511912 1161065100/232x [21] W 808,053 2,960,927 11/1960 Aichelen 100/232 [221 14,1963,371,599 3/1958 Tezuka 100/218 [451 f 161 1971 3,467,001 9/1969 1361111100/232X 1 Asslgnee "W 3,481,268 12/1969 Price et a1 100/213X BndgewaterTownship, Somerset County, FOREIGN PATENTS NJ.

998,428 7/1965 Great Br1ta1n 100/98 Primary Exnminer--Billy.l.Wi1hite[54] REFUSE COMPACTOR 8 Chin, 9 Drawing Figs. Attorney-Stowe" & Stowell[52] U.S.C1 100/98,

[51] lnt.C1 B30b 15/08, ABSTRACT: An apparatus for compacting refusehaving a 1 B30b 15/32 chamber with horizontal and vertical compactingrams com- 1 [50] Field ofSearch 141/71; municating therewith. The ramscooperate to sequentially 100/42, 98, 215, 218, 232, 246, 249, 269, 295;compress refuse for ultimate discharge from the chamber as a 53/124uniform, discreet slug of compacted refuse.

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PATENTEU FEB 1 s 19w 1 sum 2- 0F 4 PATENTEUFEBI 6m SHEET R []F REFUSECOMPACTOR SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compactorsfor compressing refuse and particularly to a novel compactor forcompressing the refuse prior to or subsequent to the incinerationthereof.

The invention provides a versatile compactor which is particularlyadapted for processing the refuse output of multiple dwelling units byfurnishing a self-contained compactor unit readily adaptable for suchinstallation.

The invention also provides a novel compactor with which existing refusecontainers or multiple container systems can be used by furnishing aself-contained Compactor completely separate and independent of thecontainer system.

This invention also produces compacted refuse in discreet slugs whichare of a size and shape suitable for deposit in com mon refusereceptacles.

This invention further provides a novel compactor in which refuse iscompacted to a minimum desired dimension and maximum density byfurnishing a double ram apparatus, in which the refuse is initiallycompacted into a cylindrical slug by the first of the rams and in whichthe second of the rams, operating normal to the first ram,'reduces theslug to the desired thickness.

The invention also furnishes multiple ram refuse compactor providingmaximum utilization of the refuse confining structure by accomplishinginitial compaction of the refuse between the rams.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides a compactor having ahorizontal compacting ram operating in a refuse receiving trough toinitially compact refuse received therein into a cylindrical slug in achamber at one end of the trough, a vertical compaction rarn which, in afirst position, blocks the chamber to provide initial compaction ofrefuse in the trough between a sidewall thereof and the horizontal ramand which, in other positions, reduces the thickness of the slug ofcompacted compacted slug from the compactor.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent tothose skilled in the art by reference to the following detaileddescription when viewedin light of the accompanying drawings in whichlike numerals throughout the FIGS. thereof indicate like components andwherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view of acompactor in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the compactor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the compactor ofFIG. I showing the mechanism thereof in a first operationalconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the mechanism thereof inanother operational configuration;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the compactor taken along theline 55 in FIG. 4; 1

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the compactor taken along the line 6-6of FIG. 3; I

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the compactor taken along thelines 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the compactor taken along theline8-8 of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 9a through 9g are schematic views illustrate illustrating theoperation of the compactor of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1and 2, a compactor in accordance with the invention is illustrated. Thecompactor comprises a support frame 10 having mounted thereon ahorizontal compacting means indicated generally at 12 and a verticalcompacting means generally shown at 14 disposed at one end thereof.

The horizontal compacting means 12 comprises a horizontal trough 16having a reciprocable ram 18 disposed therein. A

refuse loading hopper 20 and a top plate 22 are disposed on the uppersurface of the trough 16 to provide means to receive and feed refusefrom an incinerator discharge or other source to the trough. A drivecylinder 24, hydraulically or pneumatically powered by a source of fluidpressure (not shown), is connected between the ram 18 and a brace 26,mounted across one end of the trough I6 to provide a means toreciprocate the ram in the trough. The ram 18 comprises a compactingface 28, arcuate about a vertical axis, a pair of rearwardly extendingsidewalls 30 having lightning holes 32 therein, a rearwardly extendingtop wall 34 (FIG. 3), and a transverse plate 36 and braces 38 (FIG. 3)across the bottom of the ram.

An arcuate plate 40 is connected across the end of the trough I6opposite the brace 26 to form an end wall therewith, and, when the ram18 is extended, a cylindrical chamber 42 (FIG. 4).

The vertical compaction means 14 comprises a vertically orientedcylindrical housing 44, having a ram 46 coaxially disposed therein,mounted on the trough 16 in coaxial alignment with the chamber 42. Avertical ram drive cylinder 48, hydraulically or pneumatically poweredby a source of fluid pressure (not shown), is mounted between the ram 46and a top end plate 50 on the housing 44 to provide means to drive theram into the chamber 42. The ram 46 comprises a transverse compactingface 52 having a rearwardly extending cylindrical skirt 54. The skirt isprovided with a series of longitudinal, radially extending vanes 56(FIGS. 3 and 4) which reinforce the skirt and center the ram 54 inspaced relationship to the interior surface of the housing 44 and thewalls forming the chamber 42.

With more specific reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a closure means 58 isdisposed beneath the trough 16 to provide for selective closing of thebottom of the chamber 42. The mechanism comprises a door 60 slidable inlateral tracks 62 (best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7), formedalong the bottomof each side of the trough 16 and the end plate 40, between a retractedposition (FIG. 3) and an extended chamber closing position (FIG. 4). Adoor stop 63 depends from the plate 40 to stop and support the door 60in the extended position (FIG. 4). The bottom of the trough 16 is formedwith a slot 64 in which a ram follower 66, depending from the braces 38.operates to follow the motion of the ram 18. A rod 68 is slidablydisposed through the follower 66 and connected at the forward end to thedoor 60. A compression spring 70 is coaxially disposed around the rod 68between the connection and the follower 66 to provide resilientinterconnection between the door 60 and the ram 18. A stop 72 isdisposed on the free end of the rod 66 for purposes to be describedbelow.

A serrated cutting blade 74 is disposed across the upper surface of thetrough 16 in advance of the chamber 42 to cooperate with the top edge ofthe ram face 28 and shear off excess refuse deposited in the trough asthe ram 18 advances to the position of FIG. 4.

By means of programming devices actuating solenoid operated fluidcontrol valves, as is well known in the art, the rams are sequentiallyactuated in stages to compress refuse, preferably, with reference toFIG. 9a through 9 according to the following sequence: 1

With the horizontal ram 18 retracted and the vertical ram 46 in achamber occupying, blocking position as shown in FIG. 9a, refuse isreceived in the trough 16.

The cycle is initiated, upon filling of the trough 16, by actuation ofthe horizontal ram 18 to compress refuse 76 against the sidewall of thevertical ram 46 until the horizontal ram assumes the position of FIG.9b. The spring 70, compressed by movement of the ram follower 66, movesthe door 60 toward a closed position beneath the vertical ram 46.

In FIG. 9c, the vertical ram 46 is retracted, clearing the chamber 42whereupon the horizontal ram 18 is fully extended to the position ofFIG. 9d compressing the refuse 76 into a cylindrical slug in the chamberformed by the arcuate plate 40 and the arcuate face 28 of the ram 18 andfully closing the door 60.

The cylindrical slug of refuse 76 in the chamber is then reduced inthickness by actuation of the vertical ram 46 as seen in FIG. 9e. Theamount of final compression of the refuse can be varied in this step, inaccordance with the power requirements, the specifications of the useror the applicable codes law, or the requirements or limitations imposedby subsequent handling of the compacted refuse.

The horizontal ram 18 is next retracted, as seen in FIG. 9f,

- the ram follower 66 engaging the stop 72 to withdraw the door 60 frombeneath the chamber 42.

In FIG. 9g, the vertical ram 46 is again downwardly actuated todischarge the finally-compacted slug '76 into a suitable receptaclewhereupon the ram 46 is returned to the position of FIG. 9a for the nextcycle. The cycles may be manually initiated or, if the requirements ofthe user so dictate, means known in the art may be provided to.automatically restart the cycle upon sensing of a predetermined load inthe hopper 20.

Means may also be provided to sense a full container when the verticalram 46 is in the position of FIG. 93 to terminate automatic recyclingand/or, with the provision of an automatic container replacement means,actuate the container replacement means to index an empty containerbeneath the compactor discharge point.

Pressure limit switches to limit the maximum pressure on the compressionstrokes may also be incorporated in the comnactor control circuit toterminate or jog the control to the next step in the cycle in the eventthe device is overloaded by incompressible material. In the latterevent, the compactor will be able to automatically clear itself'in mostinstances.

In a specific installation, a compactor has been constructed in whichthe compaction ratio is variable from the minimum of 3 l to a maximum of6.4 1, (based on an uncompacted refuse density of 4.1 pounds per cubicfoot). The compaction exceeding the 6.4 1 maximum can be achieved ifoperational experience so dictates.

In a preferred embodiment the basic compactor is manually actuated,electrically controlled and hydraulically operated.

ln the above installation, the compactor, having an overall unit heightof 6'6 and a width of 18', powered by a completely self-contained systemdrawings drawing 208 volts and I amperes, produces a compacted-slug ofrefuse, approximately one-sixteenth the volume of the original refuseand approximately in diameter and 8" high with each single operatingcycle. The standard size garbage can, to 28 gallons, will accommodatethree compacted refuse slugs at a weight of approximately 68 pounds ofrefuse, so that a standard can will be filled after 3 cycles of thecompactor.

In a 60-dwelling unit with an estimated population of 180 personsaccumulating refuse at an estimated 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per capita perday, an uncompacted refuse volume per day of 66-110 cubic feet can bepredicted. Compacting on a 6 1 basis, the volume of refuse will bereduced 1 1 to 20 cubic feet at a bulk density of 24.6 pounds per cubicfoot. With the above operating cycle time and capacity, assuming thecompacted refuse slug weighing about 20 pounds and having a volume ofapproximately 0.8 cubic feet, the total number of daily operating cyclesrequired is anticipated to be in the range of 14 to cycles. Allowing oneor-two minutes for container handling between every third compactorcycle, the total 46 daily operating time for the exemplary compactorsystem will be in the range of minutes to one hour. In the typicalinstallation described, therefore, fully automatic unattended systemsare not warranted, however, for larger apartment house units or forspecial circumstances where storage capacity for uncompacted refuse isminimal, a fully automated compactor operation may be incorporated.

What has been set forth above is intended to be as exemplary to enablethose skilled in the art in the practice of the invention. It should,therefore, be understood, that within the scope of the appended claims,the invention may be practiced other than specifically described.

We claim:

1. A refuse compactor comprising a chamber; first compacting meanscommunicative with said chamber,

said first compacting means including a first ram having a face thereofmovable between a retracted position spaced from said chamber, anintermediate compacting position and a final compacting positioncoincident with and forming one wall of said chamber;

second compacting means communicative with said chamber, said secondcompacting means including a second ram movable in a directionsubstantially normal to the stroke of said first ram at least betweena'blocking position fully occupying said chamber, a retracted positioncoincident with and forming another wall of said chamber, and acompacting position partially disposed in said chamber;

means to dispose, said second ram in said blocking position and actuatesaid first ram between said retracted and said intermediate positions toinitially compress refuse between said rams and to subsequentlyalternately actuate said rams between the remaining of said positions tofinally compress the refuse in said chamber; and

door means for selectively opening the wall opposite said second ram insaid chamber, andresilient linkage means connecting said door means andsaid first ram to close said door means upon movement of said first ramtoward a final compacting position and to open said door means uponmovement of said first ram to said retracted position.

2. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second ram isfurther movable to an ejecting position, extending through said chamberafter said door means is opened.

3. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first compactionmeans further comprises a refuse receiving trough accommodating saidfirst ram for reciprocation therein, and a refuse feeding hoppercommunicating with said trough.

4. A compactor in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a refusesevering edge between said trough and said hopper for cooperation withone edge of said first ram upon movement to said final compactingposition to shear refuse extending from said trough.

5. A compactor in accordance with claim 4 wherein the face of said firstram and said one edge is arcuate about an axis parallel to the stroke ofsaid second ram.

6. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chamber iscylindrical about an axis aligned with the stroke of said second ram.

7. A compactor in accordance with claim 6 wherein said second ram iscylindrical and in coaxial alignment with said chamber.

8. A compactor in accordance'with claim 7 wherein the face

1. A refuse compactor comprising a chamber; first compacting means communicative with said chamber, said first compacting means including a first ram having a face thereof movable between a retracted position spaced from said chamber, an intermediate compacting position and a final compacting position coincident with and forming one wall of said chamber; second compacting means communicative with said chamber, said second compacting means including a second ram movable in a direction substantially normal to the stroke of said first ram at least between a blocking position fully occupying said chamber, a retracted position coincident with and forming another wall of said chamber, and a compacting position partially disposed in said chamber; means to dispose said second ram in said blocking position and actuate said first ram between said retracted and said intermediate positions to initially compress refuse between said rams and to subsequently alternately actuate said rams between the remaining of said positions to finally compress the refuse in said chamber; and door means for selectively opening the wall opposite said second ram in said chamber, and resilient linkage means connecting said door means and said first ram to close said door means upon movement of said first ram toward a final compacting position and to open said door means upon movement of said first ram to said retracted position.
 2. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second ram is further movable to an ejecting position, extending through said chamber after said door means is opened.
 3. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first compaction means further comprises a refuse receiving trough accommodating said first ram for reciprocation therein, and a refuse feeding hopper communicating with said trough.
 4. A compactor in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a refuse severing edge between said trough and said hopper for cooperation with one edge of said first ram upon movement to said final compacting position to shear refuse extending from said trough.
 5. A compactor in accordance with claim 4 wherein the face of said first ram and said one edge is arcuate about an axis parallel to the stroke of said second ram.
 6. A compactor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chamber is cylindrical about an axis aligned with the stroke of said second ram.
 7. A compactor in accordance with claim 6 wherein said second ram is cylindrical and in coaxial alignment with said chamber.
 8. A compactor in accordance with claim 7 wherein the face of said first ram is arcuate to conform with the cylindrical configuration of said chamber. 